Rhoda Dakar played an important part in the shaping of a woman's role in ska. The lead vocalist and chief songwriter for all-female, London-based, rock steady band, theBodysnatchers, Dakar recorded several singles on the 2 Tone label founded by Specials leader Jerry Dammers. "Let's Do The Rock Steady" reached the eighteenth position on the Billboard charts in 1980.
Following the demise of the Bodysnatchers in 1981, Dakar remained active as a vocalist. After performing on the Specials' album, More Specials, singing "I Can't Stand It" with background vocals by the Go Gos, she formed Special AKA, with Dammers and other members of the Specials. The group's sole album, In The Studio included the anthem, "Free Nelson Mandela"
And a reworking of the Bodysnatchers's haunting tune, "The Boiler".
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Craig Harris, Rovi